LCD Monitor Backlight Not Working - HP 1703. Suggestions?

[Wyers]

I have an HP Pavillion f1703 monitor whose warranty expired on June 6th... now a week later I'm not getting any backlight. I'm not sure if this is simply a short or something more significant.

I'm relatively computer savvy but know nothing about LCD repair. Is this something I can take care of myself? HP wants to charge me $250 plus shipping - they were not willing to cut me any slack considering my warranty expired so recently.

If it needs a "pro", does anyone in the Toronto area have any recommendations? Most of the repair shops I've contacted (around the College/Spadina area) don't touch LCD monitors and simply advise me to send it to HP. ick.

Suggestions?